Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-07-19
Ron. Georra D. Wlse's Letter

hon. GCCIRc u w ASt . 1SCNLG4'
We printed last week a paragraph
concerning letter which it was stated
Hon. GEORGE ID. WISE had written in
reply to a set of questions sent to him
and other heading Democratic members
of the National House of Representa-
tives by the Washington correspondent
of the st. Louis Republican Ga Demo
cratic paper in spite of its name.) We
now have Mr.. WIsE's letter in full, and
in justice to him, we copy it. 1t is as
follows:
RICHMOND, Va, July 6, 1887.
c. w. Knapp, Esq:
Dear Sir,--As my engagements will
not permit me to devote much time to
the consideration of the subject to
which you have invited attention, L
must content myself with brief gene
raj statement of my views in the line of
thought suggested by your "interroga-
tories" We are confronted with the
fact that our income derived from du
ties and other sources exceeds the
amount required for the expenses OF
the Government, including pensions
and the interest on the public debt, by
about 800, 600, 000 per annum. This
enormous surplus is the measure OF un-
necessary taxation, and no excuse can be
offered for its continuance. The Demo
cratic party came into power with the
pledge TO accomplish the reduction OF
taxation, and the failure to perform
that promise will and ought to be visit
ed with the swift condemnation of the
people. "To impose taxes when the
public exigencies REQUIRE them Is an
obligation of the most sacred character;
TO dispense with them when it may be
done with perfect safety Is the duty OF
the representatives of the people" L
take il for granted that all the members
Of our party are agreed as to the ne
cessity for speedy and thorough re-
vision of our revenue laws, and am
unwilling to believe in the existence oil
such radical differences OF opinion as
will interfere with the performance OF
our duty in that respect. Between
those who are thoroughly imbued with
Democratic principles, as expounded
In our national platforms, there can be
no insuperable barriers to harmonious
action.
There are two methods by which the
largest parto ourrevenue is acquired
customs duties and the system Of direct
taxation known as the internal reve-
nue." From the foundation of the Gov
eminent our national income has been
derived principally from an impost on
articles imported into the United States,
and experience has shown that system
to be the best and most satisfactory
While il secures the object OF revenue
il is not oppressive, and has occasioned
less opposition than taxation in any
other form. Fora period OF more than
forty years the Federal Government
levied no direct taxes upon any Of
the products OF domestic industry,
and they were resorted to in 1862 only
when their imposition was made neces-
eary by the exigencies Of war. The
present internsl-revenue system was
born amid the throes Of the civil con-
Hict, and, in my opinion, its vexations
and hardships should not be endured
much longer. This form Of taxation
has never failed TO arouse discomfort,
and am opposed 10 its continuance as
permanent part OF our fiscal system.
In occupying this position ] am ia har-
,mony with the views OF the Virginia
Democracy, as is evidenced by the de-
cIarations contained in more than one
platform. The Democratic party Of
this State has repeatedly pronounced,
II no uncertain terms, in favor OF the
repeal Of al laws BY which internal